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Vitamin D deficiency associated with increased bladder cancer risk
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Adults deficient in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D are at increased risk for developing bladder cancer vs. those with sufficient levels of vitamin D, according to a systematic review presented at the Society for Endocrinology Annual Conference.
In an accompanying analysis of human bladder epithelial cells, researchers also found that the cells expressed functional vitamin D signaling and are able to synthesize sufficient 1,25-(OH)2D to stimulate a local immune response.
“More clinical studies are required to test this association, but our work suggests that low levels of vitamin D in the blood may prevent the cells within the bladder from stimulating an adequate response to abnormal cells,” Rosemary Bland, MD, honorary associate professor at the University of Warwick, said in a press release. “As vitamin D is cheap and safe, its potential use in cancer prevention is exciting and could potentially impact the lives of many people.”
Bland and colleagues analyzed data from seven studies ranging between 112 and 1,125 participants with various vitamin D measurement points (prediagnosis, diagnosis or follow-up). In five of the seven studies, researchers found that low vitamin D levels were associated with bladder cancer risk; higher vitamin D levels also correlated with better survival and outcomes.
In a validation analysis, researchers expressed the vitamin D receptor and 25-hydroxyvitamin D 1-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1; 1-alpha-OHase) mRNA and protein by both cell lines.
Researchers found that 24-hydroxylase mRNA, which metabolizes 1,25-(OH)2D, was almost undetectable in unstimulated cells, but was increased significantly by 1,25-(OH)2D (P < .05); 24-hydroxylase was also induced by 25-(OH)D (P < .05), indicating 1-alpha-OHase activity.
Synthesis of 1,25-(OH)2D was confirmed by enzyme immunoassay. Researchers also found that 1,25-(OH)2D and 25-(OH)D induced cathelicidin mRNA in RT4 cells (10 nM/100 nM; 6 hours; P < .05).
“We propose that in order to initiate a cell-mediated immune response to malignancy, adequate levels of serum 25-(OH)D are required for synthesis of 1,25-(OH)2D by bladder epithelial cells,” the researchers wrote. – by Regina Schaffer
Reference:
Bland R, et al. Abstract #P129. Presented at: Society for Endocrinology Annual Conference; Nov. 7-9, 2016; Brighton, United Kingdom.
Disclosure: Endocrine Today was unable to determine relevant financial disclosures.